Unique and Unexpected Ways to Display Flowers

Spring is here and for many it’s finally the time of year when we get to break out of hibernation and smell the fresh air of the warmer seasons to come. The first thought that comes to mind for me when I think of Spring is, flowers. As the perennials are starting to peak their way through, I’ve started to think of how I can create simple, but unexpected flower displays and vignettes throughout the garden (and indoors too).

I’ve rounded up some major inspiration for unique and unexpected ways to display flowers.

Let’s have a look…

1. Vintage Bird Cage: Bird cages, large or small, add an interesting architectural element to a typical flower arrangement. They are unexpected and add a touch of whimsy to display a gorgeous array of color. Place one or a cluster of birdcages on the table to create the perfect centerpiece, or hang varying sized cages from the trees or pergola above. Alternate a few with candles and the magical display will take you right into the evening hours of Summer.

2. Drawers: From an old desk or a vintage dresser, drawers of any size are usually easy to come by. Scour thrift stores or garage sales, and you’re bound to come across a few old drawers or a piece of furniture where the drawers can be removed and upcycled. Once taken out, the drawers become perfect, easy-to-move boxes and allow you to play with height by stacking. Stack a few more, add a piece of glass, and a newly created side table and planter box can be created. Planter “drawer” boxes add a fun and interesting element to a garden rather than the standard boring, old bed.

3. Paint Cans: Such a cute, fun, and unusual idea. If you’re a DIYer (like me), I’m sure you’ll love this adorable idea to display flowers. Once you’re done painting your walls, instead of tossing the old cans, recycle them. Get creative with your newly created display with drips of eye-popping color. Painting or Mod Podging a picture on the outside is also a fun alternative. If you’re not a DIYer and don’t have old paint cans laying around (we don’t all have that? haha), new and fairly inexpensive paint cans like these can be found at local big box hardware stores.

4.Teacups: Hello cuteness! Maybe you inherited your grandmothers old tea set or found a few for .50 at a garage sale, teacups make great vases and bases to start a flower arrangement. Whether plain or with a funky pattern, tea cups can be the ideal spot for a small flower or succulent arrangement, and they’re perfect to move around (indoors or out) during the Spring and Summer months.

5.Shutters: Another architectural element often found at garage sales or thrift stores are old, paint scraped, vintage shutters and window panes. Large or small, neutral or colorful, shutters are perfect for taking your flower displays vertical. Ideal for the outdoors, one shutter or a few together, can add a gorgeous statement to the entry of your home or on a part of the house that has a blank, open canvas.

DIY Project Idea – Buy plastic pots (depending on the size they are about $2-5/each), drill a 1/4″ hole about 1″ below the top edge, link in a 3″ S-hook (found in garden centers), and easily hook on the newly created planters to the shutters. Easy-Peasy and within minutes a gorgeous vertical display can be created.

6.Large Barrels: Another creative idea to add height and drama to a typical garden is to look around for unusual architectural elements, like this barrel. Not typically thought of for a garden, this old and worn barrel went from nothing to a gorgeous garden planter within minutes. Hung from a tall garden hook, this unexpected planter displays the most striking deep purple Spring flowers. Truly the most unusual elements in your home or garage can become fun treasures in no time.

7.Flowers turned art: Genius. Gorgeous. Unexpected. Flowers are fun and I truly believe they bring everyone a bit of happiness. There is nothing like fresh flowers to perk up your day. Either cut from the garden or brought home from the farmers market, fresh cut flowers can be displayed indoors or out.

DIY Project Idea (for the indoors) – Take an array of various sized old frames and spray paint them a few bold or quiet colors. Gather a few small bottles, hang them from the frames with some wire or string, and a beautiful focal point filled with flowers can be created.

DIY Project Idea (for the outdoors) – Using small bottles, vases, or lightbulbs (how unique?), fill them with water and a few fresh-cut flowers, and hang them from dangling branches or a pergola above.Ideal for the everyday or perfect for an afternoon party.

8.Rainboots: Seriously, how much cuter can it get?! After years of wear and tear (or outgrown by the kids), take the almost-garbage-bound rainboots and upcycle them into a vertical flower garden. Ideal to display on fences or the exterior of the house, a rainboot display is a fun and out-of-the-norm way to add some color to your home.

An alternative idea to flowers in rainboots could be growing herbs. Each rainboot with a different herb would be pretty neat.

10.Cans: Most everyone has used cans, but instead of them heading to the recycling bin, use them. Coffee cans, pasta cans, or any type of can with a fun label adds an element of interest and color to a flower arrangement.

11.The Outdoors: There are elements all around us that are ideal for displaying flowers and creating unexpected flower arrangements. From low stumbs to tall trees, look around your home for ideal places to introduce color. Whether potted or in the ground, flowers inside the home and out, should surround us. They’ll simply make us happy.